Sunday, January 4, 2009

TWD- French Pear Tart


DORIE GREENSPAN chose the TWD recipe this week.  DORIE GREENSPAN- the author of the cookbook TWD it currently baking its way through.  I was so pumped about this recipe because Dorie has made all the recipes in the book many times, and I knew she had something special to share with us through this recipe.  I am dying to know whether this would have been her pick out of all the things that have already been chosen, too.    

I was also pumped because I got to use two of my new Christmas presents.  
I asked my in-laws for a food processor.  Instead of buying me a new smaller regular ol' food processor, they bought me the 11 cup Cuisinart Prep 11 Plus.  After I watched the 30 minute instructional DVD, I realized that this thing is AMAZING and I do not know how I've ever cooked or baked anything without it.  Besides processing, it also chops and sliced whole fruits and vegetables.  Amazing.  The feed thing on the top is so huge that three whole potatoes will fit in it and the machine will slice all three in about 10 seconds.  It also has a DOUGH feature and special dough blade, which is the reason my mother-in-law selected this one.  How exciting!!

The second gift I got to use was my shiny new 10 inch tart pan with removable bottom, which my friend, Pam, gave me.  When I started this club back in June, Pam bought me mini tart pans for my birthday.  Since I haven't bought any others, all my tarts so far have been minis.  So, this is my first time to make a full size tart.

I started with the Sweet Tart dough with nuts.  It was super easy with my new food processor.  I can't image that Dorie herself used a better tool to make her dough.  This dough is so tasty and baked beautifully.  

After the tart dough came the almond creme, which was amazing.  I really just wanted to eat the entire batch and make more for the tart.

This tart was really really really fabulous.  I have made several tarts since TWD baked La Paulette's Strawberry tart and I haven't been as proud of any as I was of that very first tart.  However, this pear tart was the tastiest one I've made so far.  

21 comments:

Jules Someone said...

Nice equipment and excellent tart! I love my food processor. Can't imagine not having it.

Nancy/n.o.e said...

Wow, this couldn't have been a more perfect recipe for you to make after-Christmas! Your tart is beautiful. I was going to make the nut crust but forgot and made regular instead. It was still yummy! I'm envious of your spiffy fp, especially since it looks like my mixer might be on the fritz :(
Nancy
The Dogs Eat the Crumbs

Cathy said...

Your tart is a vision! And so is your food processor! I bet that it will play a featured role in many of your upcoming posts (I really don't know how I ever lived without mine!) I totally wanted to eat the almond cream like yogurt -- but seeing as you did not even have ONE BITE of queso at lunch today, missy, I am guessing that you did a far better job resisting that temptation than I did!

Anonymous said...

Your tart looks great! Congratulations on your new food processor. I love mine.

The Food Librarian said...

Great tart! I was thinking the same thing while making the dough and filling - how did life happen without the food processor?!? :)

kimberly salem said...

it looks yummy! glad you got to play with your new gifts :)

Shelby said...

WooHoo! :) I got a new food processor also and it is amazing how it simplified making the tart! Great job!

chocolatechic said...

Whooo Hoooo on your Christmas presents.


I asked for a food processor and tart pan for Christmas myself.

I got the FP, but not a tart pan.

Anne said...

That looks fabulous and the recipe was perfect timing with your awesome Christmas presents. I can't wait to see more things coming from that food processor, too!

Jamie said...

I also got a food processor for Christmas...your tart looks great!

Rebecca of "Ezra Pound Cake" said...

A Cuisinart with an instructional DVD? Whoa.

I think this is our yummiest tart so far. I'm loving the almond cream.

Babette said...

Oooh. Now I covet a new toy, your food processor. Added to list.

Great tart, isn't it?

Anonymous said...

Your tart looks fantastic! Enjoy your new food processor - I haven't had mine for very long, and now I swear that every recipe I make calls for using one!

LyB said...

It looks perfect! Congrats on the new toys. :)

Peggy said...

my processor is on its last leg. Seriously, I'm in awe of your new one! Of course your tart is amazing as well.

TeaLady said...

Lucky you with such in-laws. I got a watch (I wonder if that was a hint...)but anyway.... Tart looks fantastic. Beautiful golden brown.

Leslie said...

Yes, I wanted to eat my almond cream with a spoon, too! Yours looks amazing...it's hard to believe it's your first full size tart!

Cooking for Comfort by Jennifer said...

Absolutely beautiful job and the fp couldn't have been more helpful!!!

Danielle said...

I am jealous, I so need that food processor!
i am glad you enjoyed the tart, it was a hit in my house also.

Pamela said...

Congrats on the great gifts and the tart looks wonderful! I need to try it soon, since everyone is RAVING about it.

margot said...

Congrats on your new processor. You've inspired me to watch the DVD; I've had mine since last Christmas and feel like I could use it a lot more than I do.